ISTANBUL BOGAZI - BOSPHORUS

A stay in Istanbul is not complete without the traditional and unforgettable excursion by boat along the Istanbul Bogazi, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. Along its shores is a delightfully surprising mixture of past and present, grand spl endour and simple beauty. The shore is lined with modern hotels, "yali" (old wooden villas), palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages.

The best way of seeing the Istanbul Bogazi is to board one of the passenger boats that regularly zigzag along the shores starting from Eminonu and stopping alternately on the Asian and European sides. The round trip excursion takes about six hours and the fare is reasonable. During the excursion you will pass the magniticent Palace of Dolmabahce, and farther along are the parks and imperial pavilions ot Yildiz Palace. Here, in this beautiful park, are the Malta and Cadir Pavilions, now cafes. On the edge of this park, on the coast, is Ciragan Palace, now restored as a grand hotel. This palace was refurnished in 1874 by Sultan Abdulaziz and is one of the Bosphorus' most beautiful palaces. It stretches 300 meters along the Bosphorus wíth its marble facades facing the shore.

At Ortakoy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. This is a favorite place for meeting, and eating something delicious from the many street vendors while strolling among the artists.

Elegantly spanning the water and linking Europe and Asia for the first time is a bridge, one of the longest in the world. Immediately after this bridge, on the Asian side, is the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace. Behind the palace rises Camlica Hill, the highe st point in Istanbul. From the top ot Camlica Hill you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in the traditional style. Just across, on the European side, the contrasting elements of old and new can be seen in the Ottoman wooden villas of Arnavutkoy and the luxurious apartments of Bebek. Then, facing each other across the straits, are the fortresses of Rumeli Hisari and Anadolu Hisari. Just before Anadolu Hisari is the Goksu Palace, sometimes known as the Kucuksu Palace. Immediately after the twin fortresses is the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the recently completed second link between the two continents. From Duatepe Hill, on the European side, one finds magnificent panoramic views of the bridge and the Istanbul Bogazi. Below Duatepe is the beautiful Emirgan Park with its delightful pavilions. This park is famous for its tulips and the annual tulip festival held every April. In this park are three cafe pavilions : San, Pembe and Beyaz. The Beyaz Pav ilion is also used as a concert hall. On the Asian shore, opposite, is Kanlica, with its elegant villas, and also famous for its delicious yogurt.

Shortly after Kanlica, at Cubuklu, is the Hidiv Palace set in delightful wooded gardens. It is now a hotel where concerts and conferences are held. Past Hidiv Palace is the Beykoz (Abraham Pasa) Korusu Woods, a popular resting place with cafes and restau rants where delightful views and clear fresh air can be enjoyed. Farther along on the European side is the beautiful Bay of Tarabya with yachts at anchor and many sea front taverns which continue on to the charming townships of Buyukdere and Sariyer. It i s possible to contact agencies which specialize in the organization of "mini-cruises" by day or night (or trips by car along the shore) with some of these cruises serving delicious meals so the visitor can sample exceptional cuisine accompanied with fine drink. These Cruises have become very popular and are a must for people touring the Bosphorus. In the many fine restaurants and night clubs the delights of good food and entertainment can be enjoyed in a unique and beautiful setting.

melih@knidos.cc.metu.edu.tr